In 2005 U.S. sources released 7.26 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. That’s an increase of 0.8 percent from the previous year. The average increase per year since 1990 has been 1.2 percent.

Of course one could think that this slower growth could have to do with a petite little hurricane called “Katrina”. You remember, right? Oil and gas supply was disrupted and as a result the gasoline price jumped up.

Another possible cause might be a lot of environmental initiatives set in motion by local authorities, fed up with the federal governments phase of denial when it comes to environmental issues.

But in a colbertesque comedy stunt Steve Johnson, head of the EPA, suprises us with his conclusion: